Access to improved water and sanitation facilities does not, on its own, necessarily lead to improved health. There is now very clear evidence showing the importance of hygienic behaviour, in particular hand-washing with soap at critical times: after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Clean water, basic toilets and good hygiene practices are essential for the survival and development of our children.
This Sanitation and Hygiene policy outlines 6 priority areas to strengthen the accountability of the institutions necessary to ensure adequate and equitable access to sanitation and hygiene services for all. It also outlines what exist, what does not, and what to do.
The six priority areas include:
1. Chronic Health impact
2. Acute Health impact
3. Hand Hygiene Impact
4. Gender Equity impacts
5. Sanitation and Hygiene markets
6. Provincial By-laws.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone, especially the Ministry of Health’s partners (Government & NGOs) in areas of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for guiding the development of this policy. My greatest gratitude to UNICEF for providing Technical and Financial support in the development of this Sanitation and Hygiene policy. This National Sanitation and Hygiene will guide us in ensuring that the objectives of the National Sustainable Development Plans (ECO 2.2, ENV 4.2, SOC 3.2, SOC 3.3, and SOC 6.5) are met.
Read the National Sanitation and Hygiene Policy 2017-2030 here.